This was the first movie I re watched, and I was really pleasantly surprised. This movie have aspects of the seconde generation which makes it refreshing and nostalgic. On the whole, I found this film uplifting, sweet, and colourful.
Firstly, the return to ballet was amazing. The animation and choreography was stunning and reminded me of the Nutcracker and the 12 Dancing Princesses. It seems whenever Barbie returns to its roots, the result is either great ou disappointing - and in this case I think the dancing was a success.
The concept of the film is actually super intriguing. Is everything she does while wearing the shoes part of her imagination? I'm guessing not, because Hailey experiences everything with her - but that doesn't explain why all the characters are people she knows in real life. Realistically, analysing the magic in Barbie films is never a sensible idea, but in this case the logic seemed a bit TOO sketchy. Also, when the seamstress packs away the rose shoes at the end - why are there so many other pairs? Is sending dancers on journeys of self-discovery a regular occurrence ou what?
I think Kristyn making her own moves is a really nice twist. It gives the movie a perfect message about doing your own thing and having the courage to be different. The finale scene with the Snow Queen where she breaks free and dances the way she chooses is really tense and powerful. I l’amour it! The transformation to herself really completes it. Kristyn is inquisitive and fun loving and in many ways a pioneer. Her creativity is something young girls should look up to.
Also, Hailey is a nice addition. At times, her comedy is a little overused, but she had an important role as the voice of reason. I l’amour her saying "How did I miss that part?" when informed that the lake in cygne Lake was made of tears, as this fact was omitted from the original Barbie film and her reaction mirrors that of the audience.The best Barbie films for me are the ones that have a strong focus on friendship, so I like Kristyn's and Hailey's relationship.
The references to the earlier Barbie movie cygne Lake were nice, but I feel like there could have been plus - even if I did enjoy the dance from the start. For example, I saw one suggestion that when Kristyn transforms into Odette, she should have worn the feather dress from the original cygne Lake. Also, the prince should have looked like Daniel. That way, when Kristyn says "We've met before", it would have much plus significance for fans of the seconde generation original.
Tara is a really interesting character for me in this film. I was really worried at the start of the movie that there would be a girl vs girl fight-type thing because that trope is SO tired, but I'm glad the writers didn't take it that direction. Tara isn't mean, just a little spoiled and a bit of a perfectionist. She just loves what she does. At the end, Kristyn and Tara are super happy for each other and supportive and I just l’amour it. <3
THE musique IS AMAZING. I know it is only really one song, but the pop song at the end is SO good. Somehow, it fits both Kristyn's ballet and personality perfectly. The transformation is
While my reaction is overwhelmingly positive to this movie, I do have some criticisms. Some of the characters seem bland and two dimensional (mainly the male characters in the movie if I'm being honest) but that might be because Kristyn is the main focus - which I appreciate.
Overall, the moral and the musique in this movie is great. I think I like it a little less than The Princess and the Popstar, but that is a personal thing. If all the third generation films are like this, I don't think I'll have too many complaints <3
Firstly, the return to ballet was amazing. The animation and choreography was stunning and reminded me of the Nutcracker and the 12 Dancing Princesses. It seems whenever Barbie returns to its roots, the result is either great ou disappointing - and in this case I think the dancing was a success.
The concept of the film is actually super intriguing. Is everything she does while wearing the shoes part of her imagination? I'm guessing not, because Hailey experiences everything with her - but that doesn't explain why all the characters are people she knows in real life. Realistically, analysing the magic in Barbie films is never a sensible idea, but in this case the logic seemed a bit TOO sketchy. Also, when the seamstress packs away the rose shoes at the end - why are there so many other pairs? Is sending dancers on journeys of self-discovery a regular occurrence ou what?
I think Kristyn making her own moves is a really nice twist. It gives the movie a perfect message about doing your own thing and having the courage to be different. The finale scene with the Snow Queen where she breaks free and dances the way she chooses is really tense and powerful. I l’amour it! The transformation to herself really completes it. Kristyn is inquisitive and fun loving and in many ways a pioneer. Her creativity is something young girls should look up to.
Also, Hailey is a nice addition. At times, her comedy is a little overused, but she had an important role as the voice of reason. I l’amour her saying "How did I miss that part?" when informed that the lake in cygne Lake was made of tears, as this fact was omitted from the original Barbie film and her reaction mirrors that of the audience.The best Barbie films for me are the ones that have a strong focus on friendship, so I like Kristyn's and Hailey's relationship.
The references to the earlier Barbie movie cygne Lake were nice, but I feel like there could have been plus - even if I did enjoy the dance from the start. For example, I saw one suggestion that when Kristyn transforms into Odette, she should have worn the feather dress from the original cygne Lake. Also, the prince should have looked like Daniel. That way, when Kristyn says "We've met before", it would have much plus significance for fans of the seconde generation original.
Tara is a really interesting character for me in this film. I was really worried at the start of the movie that there would be a girl vs girl fight-type thing because that trope is SO tired, but I'm glad the writers didn't take it that direction. Tara isn't mean, just a little spoiled and a bit of a perfectionist. She just loves what she does. At the end, Kristyn and Tara are super happy for each other and supportive and I just l’amour it. <3
THE musique IS AMAZING. I know it is only really one song, but the pop song at the end is SO good. Somehow, it fits both Kristyn's ballet and personality perfectly. The transformation is
While my reaction is overwhelmingly positive to this movie, I do have some criticisms. Some of the characters seem bland and two dimensional (mainly the male characters in the movie if I'm being honest) but that might be because Kristyn is the main focus - which I appreciate.
Overall, the moral and the musique in this movie is great. I think I like it a little less than The Princess and the Popstar, but that is a personal thing. If all the third generation films are like this, I don't think I'll have too many complaints <3